The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) commenced the 23rd Elang Indopura/25th joint air exercise on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Pekanbaru, Riau, marking 45 years of bilateral defense cooperation between the two nations.

The annual bilateral drill aims to strengthen both air forces’ interoperability and mutual understanding amid rising security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

The opening ceremony was co-led by Colonel Adhi Safarul Akbar, Commander of 6th Air Wing of the Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base, along with Colonel Jonavan Ang Khee Heng from the RSAF.

In his opening remarks, Adhi underscored the strategic importance of joint exercises in enhancing operational capabilities and the professionalism of both air forces.

“This exercise is a vital platform to improve air maneuver skills and to foster professional exchange, which will ultimately enhance our readiness in facing modern air operation challenges,” Adhi said.

He added that beyond tactical objectives, the exercise helps foster camaraderie, trust, and knowledge sharing between personnel, laying the groundwork for deeper future defense cooperation.

Similarly, Colonel Jonavan Ang highlighted the symbolic significance of this year’s drill.

“Our strong ties are built on mutual respect, shared values and common commitment to regional peace and stability,” he said.

This year’s exercise centers on improving joint operations through a series of air-to-ground training missions, including a coordinated Bomb Surface Attack (BSA) scenario involving both forces.

“We are looking forward to the BSA missions, which will sharpen our combined capabilities and further deepen our professional bonds,” Colonel Jonavan cited.

The exercise began with initial air missions. The RSAF conducted BSA simulations, while the TNI AU executed air-to-air refueling drills using its F-16 fighter jets, which received fuel from an RSAF A330 MRTT tanker aircraft.

The joint drill is expected to continue in the coming days, with both air forces engaging in complex scenarios to simulate real-world combat and operational coordination, reaffirming their long-standing partnership in defense and regional security.